In recent memory, the Persian Gulf War has been overshadowed by the more recent conflicts in the Middle East. Unlike the Afghan War and the Iraq War, the Persian Gulf War—consisting of Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm—was brief, lasting from August 1990 to February 1991. While it may have been short in length, for those who participated, the Persian Gulf War had lasting effects. Below, veterans describe in their own words their experiences serving in the conflict, relating how they coped with challenges such as Scud missile alarms, potential chemical weapon attacks, and the harsh desert environment. The voices of female veterans are of particular note: the Persian Gulf War saw the largest deployment of women to a combat theater in American history.